Master Degree in Environmental Sustainability, Technologies and Energy

The Master’s degree in Environmental Sustainability, Technologies and Energy stands out as an innovative and multidisciplinary programme, aligned with the major global challenges of environmental sustainability, circular economy, and energy transition.

Combining science, technology, and innovation, the master’s programme provides advanced training in the fields of environment and energy, integrating skills in data analysis, geo-environmental modelling, and emerging technologies. The programme prepares professionals capable of developing sustainable and innovative solutions to address the environmental and energy challenges of contemporary society.

Learning is based on a practical, problem-solving approach focused on real-world challenges, integrating laboratory activities, fieldwork, project-based learning, and close contact with cutting-edge scientific research. The programme also promotes strong collaboration with national and international companies and institutions, strengthening connections with the labour market and innovation. Through a range of optional curricular units, students can tailor their academic pathway according to their interests in environmental sustainability and energy.

Career Opportunities

• Environmental sustainability and circular economy

• Energy systems and renewable energy

• Environmental and energy consultancy

• Sustainable resource management

• Planning and territorial management

• Industry and technological innovation

• Scientific research and technological development.

Fees (non-refundable)

Number of vacancies

Access requirements

Ranking criteria

The ranking of candidates will be based on the ranking resulting from the application of the following algorithm:

Final classification [0-20] = 0.20 A + 0.60 B + 0.20 C

where components A, B and C are defined below.

It is also considered the following table 1, which defines the P weight given to the candidate's previous type of training:

	P
Bachelor in Biology or similar	1
Bachelor in Biology-Geology or similar	1
Bachelor in Geology or similar	1
Bachelor in Environmental Sciences	1
Bachelor in Physics or similar	1
Bachelor in Chemistry or similar	1
Bachelor in Mathematics or similar	0.8
Bachelor in Renewable Energies Engineering	1
Bachelor in Environmental Sciences and Technologies	1
Bachelor in Biological Engineering	0.8
Bachelor in Environmental Engineering	1
Bachelor in Geography	1
Bachelors in similar areas	0.8

Component A:

Component A is calculated by the formula:

A=20*P

where P is the value given in table 1 according to the candidates previous training.

Component B:

Component B is given by the formula:

B=Med*0.8*P + OA*0.2

where P is defined in table 1, and Med and OA correspond to:

• Med: Final classification of degree, from 0 to 20;

• OA: Other relevant aspects in the scientific area of the cycle of studies such as presentations at scientific events, authorship of published works, participation in research projects, conducting internships, etc., whose ratings are assigned, from 0 to 20, by the Master's Course Steering Committee.

Component C:

Component C, valued from 0 to 20, is calculated as the sum of the ratings attributed by the Master's Course Steering Committee to the various dimensions of the candidate's technical and professional curriculum, in the area of the cycle of studies, as relevant professional activity, coordination and participation in projects, professional training, etc.

Applications 2026/2027 »»

2026/2027

General

Academic degree:

Master's degree

ECTS:

120

Duration:

4 curricular semesters

Regime:

Daytime

Place:

Gualtar Campus, Braga (UM)

Main Scientific area:

Environmental Sciences

Contacts

Course Director

Isabel Margarida Horta Ribeiro Antunes

imantunes@dct.uminho.pt

253604300

Mobility Academic Coordinator

Pedro Manuel Matos Pimenta Simões

pimenta@dct.uminho.pt

604308

School of Sciences

Campus de Gualtar
4710 - 057 Braga

+351 253604390

+351 253604398

cpedagogico@ecum.uminho.pt; sec@ecum.uminho.pt

http://www.ecum.uminho.pt

Description

The study plan is organised into two specialisation tracks, with a common core in the first semester. The specialisation tracks correspond to two major areas of environmental intervention: Energy and Environmental Monitoring and Remediation. The course units (CUs) in the common core are compulsory and fall within the scientific areas of Biology, Physics, Geology, Mathematics, and Chemistry.
The specialisation tracks begin in the second semester. Each track includes compulsory and elective CUs specific to the field of Environmental Sciences and related areas, ensuring the acquisition of the competencies required to shape each track’s distinct training profile. The integrative nature of the Master’s programme is further reinforced by the existence, in the second semester of both tracks, of an elective CU that may be chosen from a set of options offered across the programme.
Overall, the Master’s programme benefits from a qualified and dedicated teaching staff. Teaching and learning methodologies encourage independent and collaborative student work, supported by appropriate facilities and modern computing resources. Laboratory and field classes are a teaching methodology common to most CUs in the programme.

Key learning outcomes

The Master’s degree is awarded to students who demonstrate:
1. Knowledge and understanding at a level that:
1.1. builds upon and deepens the knowledge acquired in the first cycle;
1.2. provides a foundation for original developments and/or applications, often in a research context;
2. The ability to apply their knowledge, understanding, and problem-solving skills to new or unfamiliar situations, in broad and multidisciplinary contexts related to their field of study;
3. The capacity to integrate knowledge, deal with complex issues, and develop solutions or make judgements in situations of limited or incomplete information, including reflection on the ethical and social implications and responsibilities associated with those solutions and judgements;
4. The ability to communicate their conclusions, and the knowledge and reasoning underlying them, clearly and unambiguously to both specialist and non-specialist audiences;
5. Skills that enable lifelong learning in a largely self-directed or autonomous manner.

Additional specific objectives for each track:
Energy
– Understand renewable energy technologies.
Environmental Monitoring and Remediation
– Develop environmental monitoring, remediation, and valorisation programmes.

Access to higher education

This programme provides the scientific and technical qualifications required for access to third-cycle (Doctoral) studies.

Careers

Career opportunities vary according to the specialisation track and include positions in public and private organisations related to the Environment and the Energy sector. Graduates may work in areas such as environmental consultancy and services, energy production, and related industries.

Access

45

Vacancies

15

Minimum

Access forms

The access to this Cycle of Study can be done at the Students Portal of the University of Minho
https://alunos.uminho.pt/EN/candidates/MastersDegrees/Pages/default.aspx

This information does not replace consultation of the Academic Regulations of the University of Minho and other official documents.

Formal requirements

One of the following options:
a) Holders of a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences, Biology-Geology, Engineering, or Basic Sciences (e.g., Geology, Biology, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), Economics, Management, or a related scientific area may apply for admission to the Master’s degree programme;
b) Candidates whose academic, scientific, or professional background is deemed by the Scientific Committee of the programme to meet the necessary requirements for attending this cycle of studies may also be admitted. Each year, as part of the process for defining the number of available places and the operational plan, the Scientific Committee of the programme may establish specific admission conditions.

Application deadlines

Information on Application Deadlines can be found at:
https://www.ecum.uminho.pt/en/Ensino/Pages/Applications-for-Master-Programmes-.aspx

Registration deadlines

Information on Registration Deadlines can be found at:
https://www.ecum.uminho.pt/en/Ensino/Pages/Applications-for-Master-Programmes-.aspx

Aditional Information

Study Plan

When applicable, the elective curricular units available as well as the registration conditions and the number of vacancies will be indicated annually.

Regime	Curricular Unit	Scientific Area	ECTS
Year 1			60
S1	Análise e Modelação de Sistemas Geoambientais	CAmb	6
S1	Economia e Gestão do Ambiente	E	6
S1	Energia e Sustentabilidade Ambiental	CAmb	6
S1	Processes of Characterization and Environmental Impact Assessment	CAmb	6
S1	Sustentabilidade e Análise de Ciclos de Vida	CAmb	6
S2	Temas Atuais em Sustentabilidade Ambiental	CAmb	6
S2	Opção 1		6
	Análise de Dados e Modelação Estatística	CAmb	6
	Environmental Risk Assessment	CAmb	6
	Materials for Energy	CAmb	6
	Monitorização e Recuperação de Geossistemas	CAmb	6
	Recursos Geológicos e Inovação Tecnológica	CAmb	6
	Renewable Energies I	CAmb	6
	Renewable Energies II	CAmb	6
	River Restoration: Concepts and Applications	CAmb	6
	Sampling and Samples Preparation Practices	CAmb	6
	Tecnologias em Química Ambiental	CAmb	6
S2	Opção 2		6
	Análise de Dados e Modelação Estatística	CAmb	6
	Environmental Risk Assessment	CAmb	6
	Materials for Energy	CAmb	6
	Monitorização e Recuperação de Geossistemas	CAmb	6
	Recursos Geológicos e Inovação Tecnológica	CAmb	6
	Renewable Energies I	CAmb	6
	Renewable Energies II	CAmb	6
	Sampling and Samples Preparation Practices	CAmb	6
	Tecnologias em Química Ambiental	CAmb	6
S2	Opção 3		6
	Análise de Dados e Modelação Estatística	CAmb	6
	Environmental Risk Assessment	CAmb	6
	Materials for Energy	CAmb	6
	Monitorização e Recuperação de Geossistemas	CAmb	6
	Recursos Geológicos e Inovação Tecnológica	CAmb	6
	Renewable Energies I	CAmb	6
	Renewable Energies II	CAmb	6
	Sampling and Samples Preparation Practices	CAmb	6
	Tecnologias em Química Ambiental	CAmb	6
S2	Opção 4		6
	Análise de Dados e Modelação Estatística	CAmb	6
	Environmental Risk Assessment	CAmb	6
	Materials for Energy	CAmb	6
	Monitorização e Recuperação de Geossistemas	CAmb	6
	Recursos Geológicos e Inovação Tecnológica	CAmb	6
	Renewable Energies I	CAmb	6
	Renewable Energies II	CAmb	6
	Sampling and Samples Preparation Practices	CAmb	6
	Tecnologias em Química Ambiental	CAmb	6
Year 2			60
A	Opção 5		60
	Dissertação	CAmb	60
	Estágio	CAmb	60

Assessment/Accreditation

A3ES Accreditation status:

Accredited

Resolution publication date:

19-03-2026

A3ES deliberation:

https://si.a3es.pt/sia3es/page?stage=ConsultaPublicaProcesso&processID=27938

Registry number at Ministry:

R/A-Cr 129/2011/AL03

Registry Date:

27-03-2026

Accreditation validity:

31-07-2032

Master Degree in Environmental Sustainability, Technologies and Energy

Fees (non-refundable)

Number of vacancies

Access requirements

Ranking criteria

General

Contacts

Description

Key learning outcomes

Access to higher education

Careers

Access

45

Vacancies

15

Minimum

Access forms

Formal requirements

Application deadlines

Registration deadlines

Aditional Information

Study Plan

Assessment/Accreditation

Useful links

School of Sciences

Campus de Gualtar, Edifício 6

Information

Social Media

Master Degree in Environmental Sustainability, Technologies and Energy

Fees (non-refundable)

Number of vacancies

Access requirements​

Ranking criteria

General

Contacts

Description

Key learning outcomes

Access to higher education

Careers

Access

45

Vacancies

15

Minimum

Access forms

Formal requirements

Application deadlines

Registration deadlines

Aditional Information

Study Plan

Assessment/Accreditation

Access requirements